Faculty
Selection and Career Development
August 10, 2008
The heart of any school is its faculty. This is particularly true of a Catholic, Marianist institution, because if a faculty member's heart is not animated by Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit, the most important part of our mission is hollow in that member of our family. We associate mostly Catholic teachers with our institution, but are open to and have for many years had members of several Christian denominations. In our hiring of teachers and counselors, we first share with them our Christian mission, and ascertain their willingness to participate in that mission actively, while being thoroughly professional in their understanding and transmission of their discipline. We perform a thorough check of references and resumes, including an examination of official college and university transcripts. Whenever possible, we "audition" prospective teachers by observing them as they teach in their major discipline.
Once a faculty member is hired, we give him or her an introduction to Marianist heritage and spirituality, and begin the process of acclimating the teacher to our unique environment. Some teachers come to us with fewer than required education hours; we work to help the teacher to fill that gap and even become Texas certified. We encourage teachers to acquire a master's degree in education or in their discipline--or both. Teachers who have an aptitude for and desire for administration credentials are also encouraged and mentored. Several of our former teachers are now principals in local Catholic schools.
During the year, all teachers have the opportunity to attend classes and workshops, and are given released time for that purpose. Every faculty meeting has an element of in-service training and Marianist heritage, and departments have periodic meetings for discipline-related in-service and planning.
Every faculty member is offered an evaluation service, and professional guidance for career growth. Each faculty member has at least two formal classroom observations each year by an administrator, and one by his/her department chair. These form the basis for an annual summative and classroom affirmation session, and for plans for further professional growth and development.
